South Point

Marty C · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 1055 Location: Mandurah, WA

I have mixed feelings about this piece, as I'll explain.

This is a break in the Capes region of our South West called South Point. It's the southern point of a bay called Cowaramup Bay. There is a break on the northern point too, and in keeping with imaginative names, its called North Point. Just to prove that surfers really do have some naming ability, there is a break in the middle of the bay called Huzzawouies or Huzzawillys (everyone just calls it Huzzas), and I have no idea where that came from!

South Point is a long ride, but lots of cut backs required, and it works in what for the rest of the coast are on shore winds, as the swells wrap around a long point. It's a very popular and well known break.

The reason for my mixed feelings is that while I was painting this a surfer was killed by a shark at this very spot, about where that second wave is breaking. He was 31, and a father of two.

It was big news here. While many are killed in car accidents, there is something primal in us which responds to death involving being killed as prey. As is often the case with shark attacks, it was most likely mistaken identity, being taken for a seal. Seals are common. In fact, just last week a seal was cruising around us at our local break (and penguins, dolphins and even a whale about 50m out to sea).

Surfers will be out there now though. The danger is always there, but the likelihood is very low of an attack.

On canvas, 70cm x 150cm.

_________________
"Hey, your painting looks like what it looks like" Homer Simpson
www.martinclarke-art.com

Boris01 · Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 228 Location: Western Australia

I've got mixed feelings too - I can't decide whether this is your best painting yet ( that Ive seen ) , but Im pretty sure I think it is !

Marty C · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 1055 Location: Mandurah, WA

Thanks very much, Boris.
_________________
"Hey, your painting looks like what it looks like" Homer Simpson
www.martinclarke-art.com

Cea Breize · Joined: 07 Jul 2009 Posts: 157 Location: Bundaberg

Beautiful work Marty!

Marty C · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 1055 Location: Mandurah, WA

Hi, Cea Breize, thanks heaps.
_________________
"Hey, your painting looks like what it looks like" Homer Simpson
www.martinclarke-art.com

Devilbiss · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 3209

Excellent work Marty.

sweetnsour · Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 9 Location: South Australia

Absolutely beautiful. Do you primarily use a photo reference or do you go to the sight and paint?

ocker1 · Joined: 27 Sep 2008 Posts: 775 Location: NZ

he rides every wave all the way to the beach , then transfers the experience to his canvas

Marty C · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 1055 Location: Mandurah, WA

Hi, Daniel, thanks very much.

Hi, Sweetnsour, thanks. I go to the site and take photos, lots of them. I have surfed this area, and know it well.

Hi, Ocker, I do hope some of my experience transfers to the canvas.
_________________
"Hey, your painting looks like what it looks like" Homer Simpson
www.martinclarke-art.com

KimO · Joined: 06 Feb 2007 Posts: 1470

Hi Marty, Must feel a bit stange knowing that happened there - but it's a really beautiful painting none the less.

Marty C · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 1055 Location: Mandurah, WA

Thanks very much, Kim.
_________________
"Hey, your painting looks like what it looks like" Homer Simpson
www.martinclarke-art.com

heartco · Posted: Sat Sep 04, 2010 10:26 am Post subject: Re: Re - South Point

Marty C · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 1055 Location: Mandurah, WA

Thanks very much, Heidi. The challenge is to make the next one better than this one!
_________________
"Hey, your painting looks like what it looks like" Homer Simpson
www.martinclarke-art.com